The Seattle Seahawks scored a touchdown on their first drive of today’s game, but running Kenneth Walker III suffered an injury on the series. What happened to Walker on Sunday, and how will the Seahawks replace him — if needed — against the Los Angeles Rams?
Kenneth Walker III Injury Update
Walker suffered an injury while making a first-quarter run. He immediately took himself out of the game, went to Seattle’s sideline, and entered the blue medical tent.
Walker eventually emerged from the tent and was walking around on the sideline. But he may not be able to play again on Sunday.
The Seahawks have announced that Walker is doubtful to return as he deals with an oblique injury.
#Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III came up limping after this play and is in the medical tent.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) November 19, 2023
After the game, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll called Walker’s oblique injury “legit,” which is typically how he describes an issue that will cause a player to miss time, as ESPN’s Brady Henderson noted.
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey suffered an oblique injury earlier this season but did not miss a game. However, the Seahawks are playing the 49ers on Thanksgiving Day in Week 12. With just a four-day turnaround, Walker seems unlikely to be available for a critical NFC West matchup.
Walker had taken four carries for 18 yards before departing. He’s dominated touches in the Seahawks’ backfield this year, posting 145 attempts for 595 yards and six rushing touchdowns entering today’s game.
The former second-round pick dealt with a groin injury during the summer and missed multiple weeks of practice. Walker missed Week 1 during his 2022 rookie campaign after undergoing sports hernia surgery, then sat out of Week 14 with a sprained ankle.
MORE: Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart
Second-round rookie Zach Charbonnet profiles as Seattle’s RB1 with Walker sidelined. DeeJay Dallas is also active and has already seen work on passing downs.
Fantasy Fallout From Walker’s Injury
Charbonnet may be a popular name on the fantasy waiver this week if Walker misses any time. The rookie would instantly become a top-20 play at the RB position every week regardless of format.
While Charbonnet only had 284 total yards on 51 total touches heading into this contest, he possesses a three-down skill set and could thrive with a leading role in Seattle’s backfield.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Derek Tate
